Brochure

On the edge of the Iberian Peninsula is the small kingdom of Portugal which blossomed in the 16th century and became one of the world’s great seafaring nations. During the great Age of Discovery, it was at the forefront of world exploration bringing vast wealth and riches. Today, travellers will find colourful fishing villages, small fortified towns, glorious sun-kissed beaches, sacred sites, and neat terraced vineyards. The capital city of Lisbon boasts magnificent views from the castle of Sao Jorge, and intriguing stairways and narrow streets in the old Alfama quarter. See the lovely gardens and villas of hilltop Sintra, or visit the glamorous resort of Cascais. Fatima is renowned as a place of pilgrimage, and wine enthusiasts will be enamoured with Oporto, home of the sweet Port wine. It’s so easy to get joyfully lost in the medieval streets of some of Portugal’s most charming cities - walk within the walls of Obidos, or explore well-preserved Evora - an architectural jewel box dating back to Roman times.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure Day

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018

Today we board our flight to Lisbon Portugal, ready to begin a journey filled with idyllic scenery, great food, and captivating history.

Day 2 - Arrive Lisbon

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Welcome to Lisbon! We are met and taken to our waiting coach to begin a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city. We drive along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town, passing beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. We stop at the Belem Quarter to see where sailing ships set out to discover unknown lands. At Pasteis de Belem, a traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for over 100 years, we enjoy a tasting of the famous 'Pasteis de Belem'. Later, we see the modern Monument to the Discoveries, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) Belem Tower, erected to protect Jeronimos Monastery. Finally, we check-in to our hotel and have a chance to settle before meeting for a Welcome Reception followed by a lovely dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3 - Cascais - Sintra

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Like the Kings of Portugal before, today we travel to the glamorous resort of Cascais and scenic hilltop Sintra (WHS) both veritable jewels in the crown of Portugal. After visiting the Royal Palace, we will return to Lisbon via the wealthy playground of Estoril (occasionally the palace visit may not be possible). This evening, we savour dinner with wine in a typical Portuguese nightspot that specializes in beautiful and haunting Fado melodies. This famous haunting and bluesy folk music is traditionally sung by a woman accompanied by two guitarists.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - The Algarve

Friday, May 18th, 2018

To the Algarve today as we head across the River Tagus to the sun-drenched south coast. We enjoy a break at the fishing port of Lagos, where we can have lunch and free time to explore. Afterward, we continue to our charming resort hotel surrounded by a lush green valley, and where we can see the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Algarve cuisine is simplicity itself, with the freshest seafood. Tonight, we have a delightful evening of wine and classic seafood dishes rooted in the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Evora

Saturday, May 19th, 2018

In the morning, we travel to the medieval walled city of Évora (WHS). Here we are joined by a local expert to discover the highlights of this beautifully preserved town. We see the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos - an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprised of ancient skulls and bones. We also visit the cathedral with its attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. This afternoon, we may choose to hire a bicycle, or stroll through Évora’s unique historical centre and follow the aqueduct inside the city walls.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Monsaraz

Sunday, May 20th, 2018

This morning we will drive to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on an imposing hilltop, surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards. From the castle ruins, we admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains which contrast with the blue water of Alqueva Reservoir, one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. We enjoy a leisurely cruise before sitting down to a delicious and memorable lunch in a restaurant that was formerly an old olive oil mill. The food choices are typical of the local Alentejo region, with wine and drinks included. Later, we return to Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Obidos - Fatima - Tomar

Monday, May 21st, 2018

In the morning, we drive past cork oak fields and expansive rice fields on the way to the fortified town of Obidos. We will walk inside the city walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-bedecked houses that line the narrow streets. We continue to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. Here we see the basilica, or we may visit the Chapel of the Apparitions which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Every year thousands of believers from far and wide, come to seek forgiveness, or pray for a health cure. Next, at Tomar, we visit one of Portugal's historical jewels, the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ (WHS). We join our local expert to explore the octagonal Templar's Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk. On the battlements, the Manueline Window is possibly the finest example in the country. Finally, we stop at the Synagogue of Tomar which houses a small Jewish museum and is one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Coimbra - The Douro - Pinhao

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

This morning, we drive to Conímbriga, Portugal's best-preserved Roman archaeological site. With a local expert, we marvel at the mosaics, explore the ‘House of the Fountains' and visit the museum. In Coimbra, a guided sightseeing tour shows us the highlights of the Old Town, including a visit to the impressive baroque University library. Later, we continue through rolling hills to our hotel, nestled on the vine-laden banks of the Douro River at Pinhao.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Guimaraes - Porto

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018

Today we travel to Guimarães (WHS), known as the Cradle of Portugal. From the ruined castle there are wonderful views, and in the city's historic heart lies a web of alleyways, cobbled streets and cozy squares. After our visit we continue to Porto (WHS), situated on the River Douro and celebrated as the Port wine capital of the world. Across the river, the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores house the famous port wine. We walk along corridors of casks and get to know the tawnys and vintages during an informative tour and tasting at a famous cellar. This evening we drive to a restaurant on Oporto's western seafront and indulge in a range of Portuguese specialities with wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Porto - Free Day

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Today is a free day. Why not admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles, or photograph one of the iconic bridges, or stroll along the lively streets in search of a bargain or two. This evening, we take a relaxing cruise along the Douro River for excellent water perspective views of the city. Then, we have dinner at an authentic Porto restaurant complete with wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Lisbon

Friday, May 25th, 2018

We drive back to Lisbon today. After checking in to our hotel we have some time to prepare for our flight home or do any last minute shopping. Across the mighty Tagus River are some of Lisbon’s famous seafood restaurants offering wonderful views of the city. We board a ferry bound for one of these delightful venues to celebrate our wonderful trip in Portugal. Afterwards, we return to the hotel via the impressive suspension bridge.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Return Home

Saturday, May 26th, 2018

This morning we gather our luggage and souvenirs to travel home. We take with us fond memories of new friends and the exciting places we have discovered.